Development of a patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ) for diabetes management in Thailand and Lao PDR.

In a cross-sectional analytical study, a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) for diabetes management was developed and tested in Thailand and Lao PDR. A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted to formulate themes of the PSQ. The 20-item PSQ was prepared in Thai and translated to Lao, with subsequent backward translation. Both versions were tested for reliability and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The study was performed at a university hospital in Thailand and two central hospitals in Vientiane, Lao PDR. There were 300 diabetic patients from Thailand (n = 150) and Lao PDR (n = 150). The 5-factor Thai version showed 74.52% of total explained variance with good internal consistency and satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 1.91, GFI = 0.83, CFI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.063, RMSEA = 0.078). The five factors were 1) Standard of Service, 2) Diabetic Service, 3) Competency of Providers, 4) Competency of Pharmacists, and 5) Communication with Providers. For the Lao version, 20 items showed a 3-factor structure with a total explained variance of 71.09%. Goodness-of-fit indices for the Lao model were satisfactory (χ2/df = 2.45, GFI = 0.78, CFI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.075 and RMSEA = 0.095). The results showed the PSQ Thai and Lao versions were valid and reliable for assessing patient satisfaction with diabetes management, however more testing of the questionnaire is appropriate.

Pharmacy students' preparation to provide pharmaceutical care for patients with non-communicable diseases in six ASEAN countries: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacy education programs prepare graduates to promote health for patients with noncommunicable disease (NCDs), but there is limited information concerning Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) countries. The study aim was to synthesize academic staff's, alumni's, and alumni supervisors' perspectives on preparation for students to provide pharmaceutical care in NCDs. METHODS: A qualitative research design was used. In-depth interviews with structured questions following the Context, Input, Process, and Product/Outcomes model framework were conducted with four academic staff, three alumni, and three alumni supervisors from six study sites in six countries. Interview questions were constructed in Thai and translated to English by using forward and backward translation. Verbatim transcriptions were used to perform thematic analysis with investigator triangulation. RESULTS: Sixty participants were included. The context showed three main themes related to Burden of NCDs, Pharmacist Roles in NCDs, and Goals. The input showed three main themes of Teaching Methods, Development Plans for Academic Staff, and Budgets and Infrastructure. The process showed one main theme of Struggles in Teaching Methods. The outcomes/outputs showed three main themes of Individual, Organizational, and Professional Levels. Schools need curricula that focus on NCDs, pharmacist competency and skills, and academic preparation of students for practice. Gaps limiting achievement of goals included lack of well-trained academic staff, limited learning facilities, self-learning opportunities, acceptance from other health professionals, and career ladders. CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of pharmacy students varied in six ASEAN countries. Pharmacy education programs must address existing gaps that limit achievement of goals related to NCDs.

Patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives on diabetes management: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of evidence-based guidance to deliver effective diabetes care, many patients do not achieve goals as recommendations. This systematic review was to synthesize useful insight perspectives by patients and providers to identify factors related to diabetes management using Chronic Care Model. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to synthesize perspectives by patients and providers in order to identify factors related to diabetes management. METHODS: Databases were searched including CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science from January 2001 to September 2017. Combination of search terms were used like 'qualitative,' 'diabetes management,' 'patients' perspective,' and 'provider's perspective.' All qualitative studies used were in English with available full text. Chronic Care Model framework was used to analyze the content and to organize the findings. RESULTS: Of 108 articles used, only 23 of this met the inclusion criteria. Nine factors were identified including community linkage, health service system for diabetic patients, continuity of care, self-management, providers' support, referral system, patient-provider interaction, increasing competency of healthcare providers and family support. Community linkage was revealed to be an important factor to encourage diabetic patients to look after their disease while health service system showed the limit of accessibility due to location, medical service availability, finance, information, and time. Continuity of care has shown lack of coordination in referral system within a health care team and self-management was dependent on the knowledge, beliefs, attitude, and behavior of the patient. More so, providers' support through an effective plan and/or strategy has also indicated to help patients get their target goal. Poor interaction between patients and health providers was found to be largely attributed to language barrier and lack of communication skill. Improving competency for the health providers can be achieved through continuing professional education. Both perspectives supported a family involvement and community resources for diabetes patients. CONCLUSION: Factors related to diabetes management from nine themes showed various gaps in both perspectives. Further research on new models for diabetes management is required.